The International Computer Driving License, or ICDL for short, is an internationally-recognised qualification that provides practical training in each of the most commonly used software tools. The certificate is recognised in more than 100 countries.

Admission requirementsNo prior computer training is required.

Job opportunitiesBy completing the ICDL you will gain a very good understanding of what the world of IT entails – you get an introduction to the digital world and a very useful qualification at the same time. In the case of some tertiary IT courses an ICDL is an entrance requirement, and many universities and universities of technology recognise ICDL certification for academic credit purposes.

QualificationStudents can obtain a Start ICDL Certificate and a Full ICDL Certificate.

Course datesIntakes for both the Start and Full Certificate take place in January and July.

In-depth descriptionStudents complete a Start Certificate and then have the option of continuing with a Full Certificate. Over the duration of the course students complete seven courses (four to complete the Start Certificate, and a further three to complete the Full Certificate), all of which are aimed at providing essential computing skills as required in the modern workplace. Intakes for both take place in January and July.

Internet – In this module students learn WWW essentials such as conducting Web search tasks by means of a browser application and search engines, bookmarking search results, printing Web pages and generating search reports. Students are also taught how to use e-mail software to send and receive messages, to attach documents or files to a message and to organise and manage message folders or directories within e-mail software.

Microsoft Access – Students are taught the basic concepts of this database program, and learn how to use a database on a personal computer. Designing and planning a simple database, retrieving information from an existing database and creating and modifying reports form part of this module.

Microsoft Word – Students are taught how to use this word-processing application on a personal computer. In addition to basic operations such as creating, formatting and finishing a Word document ready for distribution, this module also includes more advanced aspects such as creating standard tables, using images within a document, importing objects and using mail merge tools.

Microsoft Excel – Students are taught the basic concepts that apply to this and other spreadsheet programs, and learn to accomplish basic operations related to developing, formatting and using spreadsheets. Basic formulas and functions, importing objects and creating graphs and charts also form part of this module.

Microsoft PowerPoint - Students gain competence in using this presentation tool. The module includes instruction on creating a variety of presentations for different target audiences and using various slide-show effects.

Managing Files - Students learn how to operate effectively within the desktop environment. This includes managing, organising, copying, moving and deleting files and directories/folders. The ability to use a variety of features available within the operating system also forms part of this module.

Basic Concepts of Information Technology – Students gain an understanding of the basic physical make-up of a personal computer and are introduced to Information Technology (IT) essentials, including:

- Data storage and memory

- The context for computer-based software applications in society

- The uses of information networks within computing

The course is rounded off with information on the health effects of computers and a number of security and legal issues related to computers.